Effective Summer Turf Weed Control for Middle TN

Avoid Spraying Weeds When Temperatures Are Above 90°F

The summer heat in Middle Tennessee often exceeds 90°F, making weed control more complicated. High temperatures can affect both the effectiveness of herbicides and the health of your lawn.

Reduced Herbicide Effectiveness

When temperatures soar above 90°F, many herbicides become less effective. The heat causes weeds to go into a state of stress, slowing their growth and reducing their ability to absorb the chemicals. Applying herbicides during extreme heat can result in poor weed control and a waste of both time and resources.

Increased Risk of Lawn Damage

High temperatures can also increase the risk of herbicide damage to your turfgrass. Under heat stress, turfgrass can be more susceptible to herbicide injury, leading to brown patches and overall decline in lawn health. It’s best to apply herbicides during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, when temperatures are below 90°F.

Use Selective Herbicides

Selective herbicides are formulated to target specific types of weeds without harming your turfgrass. This makes them an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy lawn while effectively controlling weeds.

Targeted Weed Control

Selective herbicides are designed to target broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, or sedges without damaging your lawn. This specificity allows you to tackle common summer weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, and nutsedge while keeping your turfgrass intact.

Application Tips

• Identify Weeds: Before applying a selective herbicide, accurately identify the weeds in your lawn to ensure you choose the right product.
• Follow Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and timing. Over-application can harm your turf, while under-application may not effectively control the weeds. This can be a good reason to hire a professional so that you don’t have to worry about improper application.
• Spot Treat: For small infestations, consider spot treating weeds to minimize herbicide use and reduce stress on your lawn.

Apply Best Practices for Mowing

Proper mowing practices are crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn that can naturally resist weed invasions.

Mow at the Right Height

Different types of turfgrass have optimal mowing heights that promote healthy growth and discourage weed establishment. Here are some general guidelines:

• Tall Fescue: Mow at 3-4 inches.
• Bermuda Grass: Mow at 1-2 inches.
• Zoysia Grass: Mow at 1-2 inches.

Keeping your grass at the correct height ensures it can shade the soil, reducing the chances of weed seeds germinating.

Mow Frequently

Frequent mowing encourages dense turf growth, which helps crowd out weeds. Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade height at each mowing to reduce stress on your lawn.

Keep Mower Blades Sharp

Sharp mower blades provide a clean cut, reducing stress and the risk of disease. Dull blades tear the grass, creating ragged edges that can invite pests and diseases.

Implement Effective Irrigation Practices

Proper irrigation is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn that can outcompete weeds.

Water Deeply and Infrequently

Watering deeply and infrequently encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more drought-tolerant and better able to compete with weeds. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation.

Water in the Early Morning

Watering in the early morning reduces evaporation and ensures that your lawn has enough moisture to withstand the heat of the day. Avoid watering in the evening, as prolonged moisture on the grass can promote fungal diseases.

Avoid Overwatering

Overwatering can lead to shallow root growth and create conditions that favor weed growth. Ensure your lawn has good drainage and avoid watering too frequently. 

Combining Practices for Optimal Weed Control

Integrating these practices will help you maintain a healthy lawn and keep weeds at bay:

1. Monitor Weather Conditions: Avoid herbicide applications during extreme heat and choose cooler parts of the day for treatment.
2. Use Selective Herbicides: Target specific weeds without harming your turfgrass.
3. Mow Correctly: Maintain the right mowing height, mow frequently, and keep mower blades sharp.
4. Irrigate Properly: Water deeply and infrequently, preferably in the early morning, and avoid overwatering.

Conclusion

Summer turf weed control in Middle Tennessee requires a thoughtful approach that combines proper herbicide use, mowing, and irrigation practices. By avoiding herbicide applications during extreme heat, using selective herbicides, and following best practices for mowing and irrigation, you can maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn throughout the summer months. Consistent application of these strategies will not only enhance the beauty of your landscape but also promote the long-term health of your turfgrass. If you need more information about these practices UTHort has a great resource here. 

SCW Group has maintenance plans available that will not only implement all the practices listed in this article but also add other vital procedures to ensure your turf is healthy and looks its best every season.